Quince is a fruit that has been around for a long time, in which the fruit is used a lot in folk medicine to treat digestive disorders, allergies and high blood sugar. In addition, modern medicine has also studied some of its effects such as treating ulcers and gastric reflux, pregnancy, and improving the immune system.
1. What is quince?
Quince (Cydonia oblonga) is an ancient fruit native to various regions of Asia and the Mediterranean. Its cultivation dates back to ancient Greece and Rome, and it is closely related to familiar fruits like apples and pears.
Quince fruits are oblong, typically 10-15 cm long, with a hardcore and a spongy, yellowish-brown flesh that has a fragrant aroma. Unlike other fruits, quince cannot be consumed raw and is usually cooked or processed into jams.
Quince has been used in traditional medicine for decades, but research on this plant is still in its early stages. Currently, quince is primarily used to treat digestive disorders, allergies, and high blood sugar.
2. What are the benefits of Quince?
2.1. Nutrient-Rich
Quince is packed with fiber and essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to most diets. A 92-gram serving of quince contains:
- Calories: 52
- Fat: 0 grams
- Protein: 0.3 grams
- Carbohydrate: 14 grams
- Fiber: 1.75 grams
- Vitamin C: 15% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Thiamine (vitamin B1): 1.5% DV
- Vitamin B6: 2% DV
- Copper: 13% DV
- Iron: 3.6% DV
- Potassium: 4% DV
- Magnesium: 2% DV
Quince is a moderate source of vitamin C and copper, and a good source of several B vitamins, iron, potassium, and magnesium, with no cholesterol.
2.2. Contains Powerful Antioxidants
Antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress, decrease inflammation, and protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Quince is a rich source of antioxidants. Studies have shown that some of the antioxidants in bitter melon, such as quercetin and kaempferol, may help reduce inflammation and prevent chronic diseases.
2.3. Kiểm soát chứng buồn nôn trong thai kỳ
Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms in early pregnancy, and bitter melon may help alleviate these symptoms. A study of 76 pregnant women found that 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of bitter melon syrup was significantly more effective than 20 mg of vitamin B6 in reducing nausea during pregnancy. While these results are promising, more research is needed.
Quince has remarkable health benefits for its users
2.4. Reduces digestive problems
Quince has long been used in traditional medicine to treat various digestive disorders. Recent studies suggest that quince extract may protect intestinal tissues from damage related to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis.
In a study of mice with ulcerative colitis, those given quince extract and juice showed a significant reduction in colonic tissue damage compared to the control group. However, human studies are needed to confirm these findings.
2.5. Treatment of Peptic Ulcers
The plant compounds in quince may help prevent and treat peptic ulcers. Results from an in vitro study showed that quince juice inhibited the growth of H. pylori, a bacterium known to cause stomach ulcers. Meanwhile, a study in rats showed that quince extract protected against alcohol-induced gastric ulcers. While these results are promising, further research is needed.
2.6. Reducing Acid Reflux Symptoms
Quince syrup may help control the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), commonly known as acid reflux.
A 7-week study in 80 children with acid reflux showed that daily supplementation with quince syrup was as effective as traditional acid reflux medications.
In a study of 137 pregnant women, a 10 mg dose of quince syrup taken after meals was also shown to be as effective as acid reflux medications.
Additionally, in a 4-week study of 96 children with acid reflux, the use of concentrated Quince along with traditional medications improved symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, burping, and abdominal pain to a greater extent than medication alone.
Quince should be used scientifically to maximize its benefits.
2.7. Allergy Relief
What are the benefits of Quince? Allergy relief is one answer to this question. Quince can reduce various allergy symptoms by inhibiting the activity of certain immune cells that trigger allergic reactions.
Gencydo, an allergy medication that combines lemon juice and Japanese quince extract, has been shown to prevent and treat mild allergic reactions such as runny nose and asthma.
Studies in mice suggest that extracts from Japanese quince seeds and fruits may prevent and treat atopic dermatitis. However, it remains unclear whether they have the same effect in humans.
2.8. Supports Immune Function
Quince can support immune function. In vitro studies have shown that it has antibacterial properties that can help prevent the overgrowth of certain harmful bacteria, such as E. coli and S. aureus.
Additionally, a single quince provides 15% of the DV for vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system. The fiber content in Japanese quince can help nourish the healthy bacteria that live in the gut, thereby reducing inflammation and improving resistance to infection.
3. How to prepare quince
Quince is rarely eaten raw due to its firm flesh and tart, astringent taste. Most quince lovers agree that the fruit is best enjoyed cooked.
After cutting the quince into pieces, place them in a pot with water and a bit of sugar. Simmer over low heat until the flesh is tender. In addition to sugar, you can also try other spices such as vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, and star anise.
You can simply enjoy the cooked quince or mix it with oatmeal, fruit tarts, pastries, yogurt, or roasted pork. Moreover, another option is to make quince jam. When making jam, pay attention to the amount of sugar added, as jam is often high in sugar and can lead to overconsumption.
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